AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Being a doctor, Holden just doesn’t sleep. He’s too busy saving lives for that.
Great. You can give it to him at his party on Sunday. – Myles
I blink. I love Charlie, I do. But spending time at a kid’s birthday party when I could be in bed with Mackenzie?
Not sure I can stay for the party. I may have to drop his gift and run. – Eli
You can’t do that. Everybody will be here. They all want to see you. – Myles
I wrinkle my nose. I haven’t been the most communicative with them in the past few weeks, but then I’ve been busy.
Mostly with Mac.
Another message pops up.
Even Holden’s coming. If you don’t show up we’ll be a brother short. – Myles
Guilt washes over me. Holden tried to call me last week and I meant to call back but I didn’t. Yes, I’ve been busy, but I’ve always had time for my brothers.
Especially Myles. He was the one who would drive me back and forth from hockey practice without complaint. Who came to look at colleges with me and Mom because our dad was always busy at work or on a cruise with his latest wife. Myles has always had time for us, despite being a busy bastard himself.
I slide my fingers over the screen to send a fast reply.
I’ll be there. – Eli
Thank you. – Myles
Then I put my phone in the locker and pull out my uniform and skates, ready to put them on before I read through today’s game strategy and get the team started on drills.
Because today’s the day we’re going to beat the Phantoms. It’s going to be a good day.
* * *
MACKENZIE
I’m running late. I spent this morning negotiating with the IRS on Gramps’ behalf, pleading for a small extension until after the exhibition game when the income from the ticket sales has been released. And this afternoon I’ve been holed up in my office having conference call after conference call with the production company that will film my parents and the exhibition game and everything that comes with it.
I expected it to be easy. A discussion about accessibility, timings, where the best place will be for the cameras. But they wanted full details of the team, and who I thought would be the best players to record and be part of the promo for the game.
It ended five minutes ago, with them telling me they’d be sending a scout down to check out locations. And they also want to meet with Gramps’ nursing home to see if they can record there.
By the time I get to the staff box, the first period is about to start. Brian’s saved me a seat and he pats it so I slide in next to him.
“What have I missed?” I whisper.
“Nothing yet. The team is looking good.”
Eli is behind the bench and instead of watching the team face off against the Phantoms on the ice, I look at him.
He’s wearing his full kit but his helmet is off. I don’t know if he intends to put himself on the ice today or not, though he’s obviously ready for it. He’s leaning forward, his elbows resting on his padded knees, shouting out something to Carter who nods.
And then he lifts his head and even though there’s a distance between us I swear our gazes connect. I want to lift my hand up and wave, but I’m surrounded by staff and I don’t want them to know what’s going on.
Two minutes later, we score. I jump to my feet and scream and clap, a huge smile pulling at my lips because I know Eli wanted to get the advantage. He looks up again, grinning this time.
And I find myself breathless at the sight of this man.
Last night he carried me into the bathroom after, ah, we had some fun in the kitchen, resulting in me getting more messy than I’d planned. He’d shampooed my hair, then brushed conditioner through it, before he ended up getting us both even messier again.
